What Is 1985 Tennessee Vols football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1985 Tennessee Volunteers football team represented the University of Tennessee in the 1985 NCAA Division I-A football season, finishing with a 9-3 record under head coach Johnny Majors. They won the 1986 Citrus Bowl by defeating Maryland 35-23.

Key Facts

The 1985 Tennessee Vols finished the season with a 9-3 overall record
Head coach Johnny Majors led the team during his 10th season at Tennessee
The Vols played in the 1986 Citrus Bowl on January 1, 1986
Tennessee defeated Maryland 35-23 in the Citrus Bowl
The team was ranked in the final AP Poll at No. 15

Overview

The 1985 Tennessee Volunteers football team represented the University of Tennessee in the NCAA Division I-A football season, marking the 90th season of the program. Coached by Johnny Majors in his 10th year, the team competed in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and finished with a strong 9-3 overall record.

Despite not winning the SEC title, the Vols earned a berth in the Citrus Bowl, where they secured a decisive victory. Their performance earned them a final ranking in the Associated Press (AP) Poll, highlighting a successful season amid competitive conference play.

Record: The team finished with a 9-3 overall record, including a 4-2 mark in SEC conference play.
Head Coach: Johnny Majors was in his 10th season as head coach, guiding the Volunteers to consistent bowl appearances.
Bowl Game: The Vols played in the 1986 Citrus Bowl on January 1, 1986, held in Orlando, Florida.
Bowl Result: Tennessee defeated the Maryland Terrapins 35-23, showcasing a balanced offensive attack.
Final Ranking: The team was ranked No. 15 in the final AP Poll, reflecting their national recognition.

Season Performance

The 1985 campaign featured a mix of close contests and dominant performances, with key wins helping secure a top-20 finish. The Volunteers opened the season ranked but faced tough competition throughout the SEC schedule.

Early Season: Tennessee started 4-0, defeating teams like Memphis State and Louisville by double-digit margins.
SEC Competition: The Vols went 4-2 in conference play, with losses to Alabama and LSU, both top-tier programs at the time.
Offensive Output: The team averaged 27.8 points per game, led by quarterback Tony Robinson and a strong running game.
Defensive Strength: Tennessee allowed 19.6 points per game, ranking in the top half nationally in defensive efficiency.
Key Victory: A 27-24 win over No. 10 Alabama in October was a highlight, marking a major upset.
Player Development: Running back Chuck Webb emerged late in the season, rushing for over 100 yards in the bowl game.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 1985 season compares to other notable years in Tennessee football history:

Season	Record (Overall)	Conference Record	Bowl Result	Final AP Rank
1985	9-3	4-2	W, Citrus Bowl 35-23 (vs. Maryland)	No. 15
1984	7-4-1	3-3-1	L, Gator Bowl 28-27 (vs. Wisconsin)	NR
1986	6-5-1	3-4-1	L, Liberty Bowl 32-26 (vs. Maryland)	NR
1989	5-6	3-4	No bowl	NR
1990	9-3	5-1	W, Florida Citrus Bowl 38-34 (vs. Virginia)	No. 9

The 1985 season stands out as one of the more successful under Majors in the mid-1980s, particularly due to the bowl win and final ranking. While not a national championship contender, the team demonstrated resilience and competitiveness against top programs.

Why It Matters

The 1985 Tennessee Vols season is remembered for revitalizing the program’s national profile after a few inconsistent years. It laid the foundation for future success under Majors and helped maintain Tennessee’s reputation in the SEC.

Program Momentum: The 9-3 record and bowl win helped sustain recruiting momentum in a competitive region.
Johnny Majors' Legacy: This season reinforced Majors’ status as a key figure in Tennessee football history.
Player Development: Quarterback Tony Robinson and running back Chuck Webb gained national attention.
SEC Standing: The win over Alabama showed Tennessee could compete with the conference’s elite.
Bowl Prestige: Winning the Citrus Bowl elevated the program’s postseason credibility.
Historical Context: The season preceded a dip in performance, making 1985 a high point of the era.

Overall, the 1985 Tennessee Volunteers football team remains a notable chapter in the school’s athletic history, symbolizing competitive strength during a transitional period in college football.